Chamber holds membership luncheon last week

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce held their first Membership Luncheon in “recent memory” Thursday afternoon at the Holy Family Catholic Church’s social hall.
Members met to socialize and learn a bit more about what they all can offer each other. They talked about chamber benefits as well as upcoming events. Special guests to the event were Texas District 59 Representative, Dr. J. D. Sheffield, and former mayor John Hull. Attendees enjoyed lasagna, bread, salad, and cheesecake from Bella Sera.
“I just felt chamber members should come out and meet each other,” said Greg Solomon, President and CEO of the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to have an event for members that was during their lunch hour.”
“We just wanted to reach out to our members to provide an opportunity for our members to gather together and to socialize in fellowship and get them some ideas about what we’re doing in the community and how we can help them as Chamber members,” added J. C. Stubbs, Chair Elect. “I think we had a really good turnout. I’m really excited for the support that the community has shown the Chamber.”
The event also featured presentations by Vishe Muni, Regina Bergman, and Michael White. Muni shared information with the group about the benefits of joining Toastmasters International. Bergman talked about how to grow and improve small businesses. White talked about Small Business Saturday which will be held on November 25, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“Kudos to your chamber,” said Bergman. “I have to give a shoutout to Greg because there are chambers in the United States who are refusing to work with micro and small businesses until they’ve been successful for three to five years. To me, that’s signing a death warrant to that business.”
Many of the members in attendance were attentive, some even took notes on the speeches made.
“It’s absolutely great,” said Michael White, owner of Candy Outfitters, about the event. “It’s good to see chamber members coming out and talking.”